Chase Ultimate Rewards points: Best ways to get great value | Ep216 | 8-19-23
Aug 19, 2023
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Learn how to get great value from Chase Ultimate Rewards points, including maximizing point earning potential, finding ways to reduce the cost of Alaska Airlines awards, and utilizing partner bookings with Air France and Virgin Atlantic. Discover the versatility of the Flying Blue program, the potential value of stopovers with Air France and KLM, and strategies for finding cheap positioning flights within Europe. Find out how the hosts prioritize deals and availability when planning their travels and the importance of considering flights first
Hyatt offers excellent value for hotel stays and allows for potential upgrades to premium accommodations.
United Airlines provides flexibility with free changes and cancellations on all awards.
Virgin Atlantic offers attractive options for flights to Europe and Asia, as well as excellent cruise deals.
Deep dives
Best Value with Chase Ultimate Rewards: Hyatt Hotels
Hyatt is one of the best transfer partners for Chase Ultimate Rewards points, offering excellent value for hotel stays. With prices often exceeding two cents per point, Hyatt offers great redemption options for a range of budgets. The program also allows for the booking of suites at the same point rate as regular rooms, allowing for potential upgrades to premium accommodations. Additionally, Hyatts award chart provides fixed prices for different hotels, making it easy to determine the cost of a stay in advance.
United Airlines: Easiest Airline Transfer Partner
United Airlines is a convenient transfer partner for Chase Ultimate Rewards points, with a 1:1 transfer ratio. While their award pricing may not always offer the best value, United allows for free changes and cancellations on all awards. This flexibility can be advantageous, especially when plans are still uncertain.
Making the Most of Virgin Atlantic Transfers
Virgin Atlantic offers several attractive options for Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers. Their partnership with Delta allows for business class flights to Europe at just 50,000 miles one way. Additionally, flights within Europe on Air France and KLM can be booked for as little as 4,500 miles one way for economy class. Premium economy awards with Air France can also offer reasonable prices. However, award availability with Delta and Air France can be limited, so its essential to search for suitable options.
Additional Tips: AANA, Cruises, and Lap Infants
For flights to Asia, AANA is a compelling option. Their business class can be booked for as low as 47,500 miles one way. Virgin Atlantic is also great for booking lap infant tickets, as they charge a few thousand miles per way. Lastly, Virgin offers excellent cruise deals, with full cruises costing as low as 80,000 to 100,000 points, including all taxes, fees, and gratuities.
Booking flights or hotels: Which comes first?
When it comes to booking a trip, the decision of whether to book the flight or the hotel first depends on various factors. If there is an amazing flight deal with unprecedented availability, it can be a wise choice to book the flight first and search for hotels later. This is because hotel awards usually have more flexible cancellation policies, allowing for speculative bookings. On the other hand, if there is a fantastic hotel offer or limited availability, it may be better to secure the hotel reservation first and then look for flights afterwards. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the specific deals, availability, and personal preferences of the traveler.
Following the best deals and plans
For deal hunters like the podcast hosts, the primary consideration is typically the best deal available. They prioritize seizing outstanding flight or hotel offers when they come across them. Their approach to trip planning is driven by the remarkable deals and promotions they find, rather than starting with a predetermined destination or itinerary. This flexible style of travel planning allows them to take advantage of the most enticing opportunities and create memorable experiences based on the available deals and plans.
Don't settle for mediocrity - get great value from your credit card points by utilizing some of our favorite techniques to save big on both economy and business class airfare and hotels ranging from simple to simply luxurious.
00:00 Intro
00:48 Giant Mailbag: Trouble with the Schwab debit card and a workaround
06:14 What crazy thing . . . did Bilt Rewards do this week?
14:29 Mattress running the numbers: Frontier's GoWild pass promotion
20:55 Award Talk
20:59 Nick's experience with a British Airways award via American Airlines
26:05 Greg gets the Bilt card
26:47 Alaska trick for saving miles
29:51 Southwest is adding free standby on all fares
33:32 Choice suites thanks to Radisson
34:32 Main Event: Chase Ultimate Rewards points: Best ways to get great value
34:48 Hyatt
40:00 Using Chase Ultimate Rewards points via airline programs
40:39 United Mileage Plus
43:23 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
55:38 Air France / KLM Flying Blue
1:03:40 Air Canada Aeroplan
1:09:48 Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
1:11:37 Avios
1:16:01 Question of the Week: Which comes first -- the chicken or the egg? Do you book the flight or hotel first to maximize value?
Music credit: Annie Yoder
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